Boston Terrier Dog Breed | Dog Breeds : How to Select a Boston Terrier
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Boston Terrier - Dog Breed
The Breed History
The Boston terrier arose from crosses between white English terriers and English bulldogs; first offspring trace back to the year 1870. Hooper's Judge was the foundation stud. The original crosses were considerably larger than today's standard. Since the breed originated in Boston, this name was chosen to identify this terrier breed. The first AKC registry entries occurred in 1893.
Breeding for Function
This dog was bred as a companion dog, though his origins provide him with capacity for a plucky terrier's courage and defense.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: 15-17" (38-43 cm)
Weight: 3 size types within the breed:
Up to 15 lb ( 7 kg), 15-19 lb (7-8.5 kg), 20-25 lb (9-11 kg) Coat: Short, fine, flat glossy coat is black, brindle or seal with well demarcated and specifically distributed striking white markings. Seal is a black appearance with a red tone in bright light. Brindle is preferred as the base color.
Longevity: 13-14 years.
Points of Conformation: The compact, sturdy, squarely built body is broad in front across the chest. Boston terriers possess a short body and brachycephalic head with a pronounced stop. The expression is gentle but alert, skull is broad between the ears and without wrinkles, eyes are very wide set with a dark brown color, and the small erect ears are sometimes cropped. Ear leather is fine and hair covering is minimal. The short blocky muzzle is wider than long, the nose is black. Bite is square to mildly undershot. Nictitans should not be visible, and palpebral margins should be dark, the neck is slightly arched, head carriage is high. The topline is level, thorax moderately deep with ribs well sprung, and the tail is short (less than 1/4 of the distance to the tarsus) and tapers with straight or screw ending, and is carried low. The limbs are straight, dewclaws may be taken off, and feet have well knuckled toes, are compact and are small. Gait is agile and straight with good rear driving power.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Boston terriers are described as being of high intelligence with a stubborn streak, alert, very active, playful, and having a very gentle disposition. Moderate exercise requirements, low grooming needs, ability to get along with gentle children and other pets are hallmarks of the breed. Will alarm bark, but they are not considered protectors. Boston terriers are suitable for home and apartment living, and they do not tolerate temperature extremes. They may snore and snort. Some may be picky eaters. They are minimal shedders.
Normal Physiologic Variations
The breed tends to have small litters, with three considered normal. In Great Britain, 92.3% of Boston Terrier litters are delivered via C-section.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported